Here's how you can conquer the fear of failure and confidently pursue career risks.

Failure doesn't feel good, does it? But when we're trying something for the first time or want to take a big step, there is always a risk of failure. That's the thing about getting out of our comfort zones and trying something new. It might sound strange, but it's actually through failure that we get the most out of the experience. How? By learning from it rather than blaming it. By using it as a stepping stone towards our goal. We are the ones who decide what failure means to us. Once we choose to change how we look at and feel about failure, our fear of failure dissipates, and we're able to use it as an amazing opportunity.

One of my favorite quote is from the West World series: ““Mistakes” is the word you’re too embarrassed to use. You ought not to be. You’re a product of a trillion of them. Evolution forged the entirety of sentient life on this planet using only one tool: the mistake.”

When doing a risk analysis consider the long term risk that comes with doing nothing and staying exactly where you are. We often assuming playing it safe is without risk but what if that's actually the worst case scenario because you are putting the things you want for your life at risk by staying still.

Never underestimate the effect of small steps. In his book, The Compound Effect, Darren Hardy illustrates how consistent, small actions, when compounded over time, lead to remarkable results. It’s not about making drastic changes overnight, but rather about making incremental improvements daily. These small, seemingly insignificant steps build upon each other, creating momentum and ultimately leading to significant achievements. Remember, it’s the daily habits and choices that shape your future. Embrace the power of the cumulative effect and watch as your efforts compound into extraordinary success.

It's easy to forget that where you are now came from smaller steps and progress and that a change is going to come that same way. Instead our mind is trying to compare our current state to the future and if it can't fill in and see exactly how to bridge the gap it sets of alarm bells saying it's too risky. You'll never be able to figure it all out with starting. As you advance one step the next one will appear.

A strong support system acts as a safety net when you’re stepping into the unknown. Surrounding yourself with mentors, peers, or a life coach not only provides guidance and encouragement but also offers diverse perspectives that can turn your fear of failure into a stepping stone for growth. Their feedback helps you see beyond your immediate worries, empowering you to take bold steps towards your goals.

Journaling, in particular, allows you to process your thoughts and emotions, giving clarity to what’s truly holding you back. By regularly writing down your fears, challenges, and achievements, you can track your progress and recognize patterns. This practice not only helps in understanding your triggers but also in developing strategies to face them head-on. Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the fingertips.

Many of us unconsciously choose punishment over positive reinforcement when facing failure, a tendency often rooted in the methods our parents used during our childhood. We learn to be our harshest critics, mirroring the disciplinary approaches we experienced growing up. However, this self-punishment only deepens our fear of failure and hinders our growth. Whenever you feel the urge to habitually punish yourself, take a step back and choose positive reinforcement instead.